Air ambulance charity passes £1 million in appeal for third helicopter

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has passed £1 million in its appeal for a third helicopter, an aircraft that would cover the island, though its chief executive says the pace of giving has dropped, Manx Radio reports.

The appeal, Operation SOS, has so far raised £1,202,429 towards a £2.5 million goal. GNAAS has flown two aircraft since 2024 and is seeking to expand its fleet.

According to Manx Radio, the charity must find another £1 million by December to pay the deposit on the new helicopter.

Chief executive Joe Garcia said the appeal had begun well. “We reached £500,000 in the first three months of Operation SOS,” he said, calling it a sign of the trust and generosity of the charity’s supporters.

He said momentum had since faded. “Fundraising has slowed significantly, and it has taken almost three times as long to raise the next £500,000,” he said.

Mr Garcia told Manx Radio that the charity has a plan if it falls short of its target.